#LANews Radar #12 Featuring M.anifest, Mr Price, Magic Music And More

This week, we check out M.ANIFEST’s new album, Mathousand16’s Afro-House EP, highlight Strauss & Co’s upcoming auction, looking into the upcoming Magic Music Sessions event, and more.

M.ANIFEST RELEASES NEW ALBUM

Ghanaian Rap Icon M.Anifest Drops Highly Anticipated Sixth Studio Album

Award-winning Ghanaian artist M.ANIFEST released his sixth studio album, New Road & Guava Trees, on March 13, 2025, via Mass Appeal. The album blends hip-hop, afrobeats, and highlife, with collaborations from Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), The Cavemen, King Promise, A-Reece, and Sauti Sol’s Bien. Inspired by his childhood in Madina, Ghana, the album explores themes of resilience, identity, and self-discovery. With a mix of introspective storytelling and vibrant anthems, M.ANIFEST pushes creative boundaries, delivering a 14-track journey that blends cultural commentary, emotional depth, and infectious grooves, cementing his position as Africa’s most innovative hip-hop artist.

listen to the ALBUM here

ROMAN CIIGAR RELEASES NEW SINGLE

Roman Ciigar Confronts Fame and Expectations in Leave Me Alone

South African rapper Roman Ciigar released Leave Me Alone continuing the themes of underappreciation and ambition from Romanati (2024). The track explores the pressures of fame, touching on family expectations, friends’ entitlement, and past acquaintances resurfacing. He recalls early struggles, meeting idols like Kabza De Small, and performing alongside A-Reece and Kelvin Momo. “Leave Me Alone” showcases his raw storytelling and solidifies his place in SA hip-hop. Available on all major streaming platforms, the single adds to his growing discography, including Phakamani’s LP (2021) and Himothy (2023).

listen to the single here

MATHOUSAND16 RELEASES NEW EP

Cape Town’s Mathousand16 Drops His Latest EP Titled “Drums and Chants”

Mathousand16, a rising DJ and producer, released his groundbreaking Afro-House EP, Drums and Chants. Blending African-inspired rhythms with deep house and techno, the EP creates a transcendent experience for listeners. Featuring collaborations with South Africa’s top vocalists and producers like Mishy Kope, Shaw Komori, Senzo Afrika, and Digital Sangoma, it reflects the country’s vibrant culture and evolving sound. Mathousand16, who began his music career in 2016, emphasizes the African traditions of drumming and chanting, stating, “Through my music, I aim to touch your soul, leaving an indelible mark that lingers long after the last beat fades.”

LISTEN TO THE EP HERE

MR PRICE X ARTCLUB AND FRIENDS

Mr Price Launched Limited Edition Project Designed Locally by Artclub and Friends

Artclub and Friends teams up with Mr Price for a 16-piece collection blending street style with artistic flair. “By artists for artists” defines the collaboration, which took two years to craft. The lineup includes denim sets, bold striped shirts, sleek trousers, a trench coat, and stylish everyday bags. Following past collabs with Refuse and SinChui, Mr Price continues to spotlight local creativity. Led by Robyn Keyser and Tanya Slater, the range is available in select Mr Price stores and online.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

RICHARD EXIBITS AT EBONY/CURATED

Richard Templeton Smith’s Incognito Exhibition at EBONY/CURATED

EBONY/CURATED Cape Town presents Incognito, Richard Smith’s sixth solo exhibition with the gallery on Wednesday, 19 March. Featuring eleven oil paintings created in Spain, the works depict dreamlike human figures in surreal landscapes and interiors. “His paintings continue to fascinate me,” says gallery director Marc Stanes. Smith, a former political cartoonist, blends abstraction with figurative elements, creating striking compositions. “I start off painting abstract, but the paint always tells me there’s a figure there,” Smith notes. Inspired by Spain yet rooted in imagination, Incognito showcases his signature style.

more updates here

STRAUSS & CO CPT AUCTION WEEK

Pioneer Modernists Laubser, Pierneef, Preller, Sekoto and Stern Headline Auction

Strauss & Co presents Cape Town Auction Week (31 March – 2 April 2025), featuring five specialist sales, including the flagship Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale (1 April, 7 PM). “This auction will offer a rich trove of art and design collectables,” says Kayleen Wrigley, Head of Sale. Highlights include Alexis Preller’s Adam and Eve (R7–8 million), Irma Stern’s A Still Life of Anthuriums (R4–6 million), and works by Gladys Mgudlandlu, William Kentridge, and Penny Siopis. The event also includes jewellery, furniture, and a dedicated watch sale. Live and online bidding available.

VISIT THE WEBSITE HERE

NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHT COMPETITION

Powerful Young Playwrights Named As The National Playwright Competition’s 2025 Finalists

The National Playwright Competition, supported by HEINEKEN Beverages, has selected four finalists for the 2025 National Arts Festival. The competition, which provides mentorship and support to emerging playwrights, allows entrants to write in their language of choice. Finalists each receive R5,000 and a mentor, with the overall winner securing R20,000 and a chance to have their play staged at the festival. This year’s finalists include Thozama Busakwe, Lwando Sindaphi, Naledi Malotana, and Campbell Meas. CEO Monica Newton and HEINEKEN’s Millicent Maroga praised the finalists for their creativity and dedication to storytelling.

WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

MAGIC MUSIC SESSIONS RETURNS

10 Years of Magic Music Sessions Is A Celebration with Praise & Worship

Vertex Events celebrates 10 years of Magic Music Sessions with a grand show at SunBet Arena, Pretoria, on Saturday, 26 April. “We are motivated now more than ever to deliver a special, emotion-filled praise and worship spectacle,” says Executive Director Thato Segaole. The lineup includes Joyous Celebration, Dr. Tumi, Lebo Sekgobela, and more. “A message of God’s love, with lifted voices and incredible worship” will define the night. Tickets (R450 – R1200) are available on Webtickets and PicknPay. Gates open at 4 PM.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

HEINEKEN’S UCL SOCIAL SCREEN WALL

Heineken® Turns UEFA Champions League Matches Into The Ultimate Social Experience

Heineken® revolutionised the football viewing experience with the Heineken® Social Screen activation, enhancing social connections among fans during UEFA Champions League matches. Hosted at Hyde Park Corner, the event featured an expandable screen wall created by connecting multiple mobile devices, transforming solitary viewing into a vibrant social experience. “Tech has the power to disconnect us, but we’re using it to bring audiences together,” said Graeme Jenner, Executive Creative Director at LePub. The Social Screen, developed with LeGarage and LePub, synced devices for a larger-than-life spectacle, highlighting Heineken’s commitment to innovative, community-driven football experiences.

VISIT THE WEBSITE HERE